Thursday, December 23 2004 20:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Hailing P V Narasimha Rao as the "father of reforms" and "modern Chanakya", former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Dec 23, 2004) said the former Prime Minister's demise has marked the "end of an era".

"Rao will be remembered as the father of reforms in modern India," the senior BJP leader said while condoling the death of the Congress leader who breathed his last in New Delhi.

Rao, the first Prime Minister from South India, had to face many difficulties in heralding reforms, he said adding, "He won over difficulties and paved the way for a bright India."

Describing him as a "modern Chanakya," the BJP leader said, "Rao left his mark on the nation and guided the country through crisis."

Praising him as "a great leader of modern India", Vajpayee said Rao pursued a foreign policy, which was acceptable to all.

Recalling his association with Rao, he said, "We looked towards him as a national leader. He had a broad vision and always strived for a consensus on policy issues."

Vajpayee said Rao fought with difficulties all his life and the end also came in a fight with death.